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Magnetoplasmadynamic thruster

Magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters use the Lorentz force (a force exerted on charged particles by magnetic and electrical fields in combination) are called magnetoplasmadynamic (or MPD) thrusters. MPD thruster technology has been explored academically, but commercial interest has been low.

MPD thrusters can be run in a steady state fashion or in a pulsed mode.

See also: Spacecraft propulsion